A Level Economics

Applications Open - 1st November 2026

Applications Close - 12th February 2027

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory on our website www.knoleacademy.org

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

Level 3 Courses - select a minimum of 3 courses to study

Level 2 Courses - select 1 course only as each course is studied on a full time basis.

A level economics is an academically demanding course which is respected by universities and employers a like. Economics students demonstrate an ability to grasp concepts, apply them and evaluate them.

Studying A-Level Economics helps you understand how the world works by examining how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices with limited resources. This will give you a greater understanding of current affairs, global issues and government policies and interventions.

Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure

This theme focuses on microeconomic concepts. Students will develop an understanding of:

• Nature of economics

• How markets work

• Market failure

• Government intervention

Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies

This theme focuses on macroeconomic concepts. Students will develop an understanding of:

• Measures of economic performance

• Aggregate demand and supply

• National income

• Economic growth

• Macroeconomic objectives and policy

Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market

This theme develops the microeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 1 and focuses on business economics. Students will develop an understanding of:

• Business growth

• Business objectives

• Revenues, costs and profits

• Market structures

• Labour market

• Government intervention

Theme 4: A global perspective

This theme develops the macroeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 2 and applies these concepts in a global concept. Students will develop an understanding of:

• International economics

• Poverty and inequality

• Emerging and developing economies

• The financial sector

• Role of the state in the macroeconomy

Students complete three externally examined papers at the end of Year 13.

Each paper is 2 hours long and worth 100 marks.

Paper 1 – Markets and business behaviour – 35% of the qualification

Paper 2 – The national and global economy – 35% of the qualification

Paper 3 – Micro economics and macroeconomics – 30% of the total qualification

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths. Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths

• BSc in Finance & Economics

• BSc in Accounting & Finance

• Economist

• Finance and Accounting

• Business Management

• Data Analytics and Statistics

• Law

• Civil Service and public policy

• Consultancy and data analysis

• Journalism and economic commentary